Device for starting a vehicle engine by means of an electronic key, and key to be used therefor

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a mechanism ( 1 ) for starting a vehicle engine by means of an electronic key ( 3 ). Said mechanism ( 1 ) comprises a receiving device ( 2 ) in the vehicle for inserting the key ( 3 ). The key ( 3 ) that is inserted in said receiving device ( 2 ) cannot be twisted while being movable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position. Such mechanisms are provided with locking devices which secure the electronic key ( 3 ) in the receiving slot against being removed during operation of the vehicle. Said locking device is controlled via electrical drives ( 10 ). In order to be able to remove the key ( 3 ) when the drive ( 10 ) is down or in case of a power failure in the vehicle, means are that provided that allow the key ( 3 ) to be removed mechanically as an emergency measure.

The invention relates to a device for starting a vehicle engine by meansof an electric key, comprising a receiving device in the vehicle forinsertion of the key, with the key, when inserted in the receivingdevice, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinaldirection into at least one defined raised position, with the raisedposition of the key being monitored by sensors of a control unit andbeing used to control various functions of the engine, and the key, whenin a specific raised position, being secured against removal from thereceiving device by locking elements controlled by an electric drive.The invention also relates to an electronic key for use in such areceiving device.

A device of this kind is known from DE 199 39 733 A1, in which theelectronic key is blocked against removal by a mechanism and anassociated solenoid in the device.

In the blocked position, the engine can be started or switched off bymeans of a start/stop button. In this context, the key is recessed asfar as possible into the receiving device. The key is shifted to araised position by tilting it, thus enabling it to be removed by hand.This is, however, possible only if the magnetic lock enables the liftingmovement.

A similar disclosure is known from DE 197 47 732 C2, in whichunauthorized removal of the key is prevented by means of anelectromagnetic lock.

EP 1 279 576 A2 discloses a key receiving device, whose locking pin isguided in a heart-shaped locking cam. When the key is inserted to thelimit position, the pin is slid into the enable track, and the keyreceiving device can then slide to the removal position. To preventunauthorized removal of the key, a rotary catch moved by anelectromagnetic drive blocks the locking cam, thus preventing themoveable key receiving device from reaching the removal position.

WO 2004/087470 A1 also discloses a receiving device for an electronickey, with it being possible for the key to take up various positions inthe receiving slot in order to trigger various control functions. Saidkey is also blocked against unauthorized removal by an electric controlunit and corresponding mechanical lock. The control unit enables the keyto be removed only when it is at a defined position in the slot.

FR 2 814 417 A1 presents a receiving device in a check card format withsaid key being blocked in one position and secured against removal bymeans of a rotary lever. Removal of the card is enabled by means of abutton. To prevent removal when driving, the rotary lever is preventedfrom performing a release movement either by an electromagneticactuating element or an actuating element driven by an electric motor.

The disadvantage with all these arrangements is that if the solenoidfails or a total power failure occurs in the vehicle, theelectromagnetic locks or electric locking drives do not release the lockand the key can thus not be removed.

The object of the invention is therefore to enable an electronic key tobe removed if the unlocking drive is defective or no longer functionsdue to lack of electric power in the vehicle.

This object is achieved by the features given in patent claim 1.

The device is characterized in that the device has means that enable theelectronic key to be removed in the event of failure of the electricdrive.

The electric drive itself or the lever operated by the electric drivethat actuates the lock can be moved to its unlocking position by thesemeans.

It is advantageously provided that the locking element actuated by anelectric drive has a lever and/or actuating surfaces on which anactuating element moving in a recess in the electronic key acts whenactuated in an emergency, so that the locking element can be manuallymoved to an unlocking position by means of this element.

Because a recess in the electronic key is used to guide through anactuating element, the need for a costly device outside the device isdispensed with.

It is advantageously provided that a start/stop button forms a unit withthe receiving device for the electronic key.

It is advantageously provided that the electric drive foractivating/deactivating the key locking element is a solenoid.

Alternatively, the electric drive can be advantageously embodied as anelectric motor.

It is advantageously provided that the electronic key inserted into thereceiving device can be moved in a longitudinal direction between atleast two axially offset raised positions, with the different raisedpositions of the key being monitored by sensors of a control unit andbeing used to control various functions of the engine or of the vehicle.

As a result, various control functions can be controlled by actuation ofthe electronic key, such as starting the engine itself or switching onother consumer units such as the radio.

It is preferably provided that the actuating element for emergencyactuation is a wire-shaped part. Any simple part, such as one made froma single piece of wire or paper clip in an emergency, would be availableto activate the emergency mechanism.

Preferably it is provided that an electronic key is provided for use inthis mechanism, with the key having a continuous recess in the directionof insertion to allow the passage of, or to hold, an actuating element.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is distinguished inthat the recess in the electronic key leads in funnel-shape into a boreso that the wire-shaped actuating element to be passed through can bepassed centrally through the bore in order to move the locking elementto the unlocking position.

In this way any wire can be inserted into the mechanism and is thenautomatically guided to the element to be actuated within the device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving slot of theemergency key in the electronic key is used as a recess for realizingthe guiding through element. This simplifies construction of theelectronic key, which is very important particularly for massproduction.

In an alternative embodiment it is provided that a pin, is supported inthe recess, spring loaded counter to the direction of insertion of theelectronic key, wherein in the unactuated position it does not projectbeyond the insertion side of the key housing and when actuated from theinsertion side of the emergency key it projects from the oppositesurface of the key housing and moves the locking element to an unlockingposition.

The actuating element is thus always carried with the key and simplifiesoperation in an emergency.

Preferably it is provided that the recess or actuating pin is covered bythe grip of the emergency key in the normal position and the emergencykey has to be removed from the electronic key for actuation. Thisnecessary recess therefore does not appear intrusive when viewedexternally.

The recess for guiding through the actuating element is preferablynormally provided with a cover on the surface opposite the insertionsurface. The recess is thus also protected against the ingress of dirtduring use.

By means of the preferred embodiments of the invention, an inexpensivemethod of removing an electronic key in an emergency can be realized.There is no need for a separate switching element with its mechanism inthe area of the instrument panel and no special installation expense isrequired, which substantially affects costs, particularly in the massproduction of motor vehicles. The operating surfaces can be ofinconspicuous design because any existing recesses are provided withtheir own covers.

Because the emergency unlocking has to be carried out independentlyusing a separate tool, inadvertent actuations and associated incorrectoperations are avoided.

Two examples of embodiments of the invention are shown schematically inthe drawings.

The drawings are as follows.

FIG. 1: A perspective view of such a device as a unit

FIG. 2: A sectional view, A-A, through a device for starting a vehicleengine

FIG. 3: A side view showing a partial section along B-B in the lockedposition

FIG. 4: A side view showing a partial section along B-B in the unlockedposition

FIG. 5: A plan view of an electronic key and emergency key, showing apart section

FIG. 6: A plan view of an electronic key with a separate actuatingelement, and

FIG. 7: A plan view of an electronic key with an inserted pin-shapedactuating element showing a part section

FIG. 1 shows a unit of a device 1 with a receiving device 2 for anelectronic key 3 and an integral start/stop switch 4. The receivingdevice 2 has a spring-loaded cap 5 which closes the receiving device 2when a key 3 is not inserted, thus preventing the ingress of dirt ormoisture. The cap 5 is opened counter to spring force by the insertionof the key 3.

When the key 3 has been inserted and a positive authentication of theelectronic key 3 has taken place, the engine can be started by actuatingthe start/stop button 4, and stopped by actuating it again.

To authenticate the key 3, it contains transmitting and receiving unitsthat exchange one or more codes with the control unit. This device 1 canbe integrated at any point in the interior of the vehicle, preferably inthe instrument panel.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a schematic of the device 1, with onlythe locking mechanism being shown in its locked position. The electronickey 3 is inserted into its limit position into the receiving device 2.Sensors (35) indicate to the control unit of the vehicle that the key 3is in its limit position or functional position, and the control unitthen requests the code of the key 3. After positive authentication andactuation of the start/stop button 4, the key 3 is locked in thereceiving device 2 against removal, as the engine is starting. A springelement 6 with a shoulder 7 engages in a pocket 8 of the key 3immediately on insertion of the key. A locking element 9 is then rotatedbefore the spring element 6 by a solenoid (10), so that the springelement 9 can then no longer spring into its second position and the key3 is prevented from withdrawal by the shoulder 7 projecting into thepocket 8.

The background to the locking process is that the vehicle may not bemoved without the key 3 inserted. A release of the key 3 by switchingthe solenoid 10, activated by the control unit of the vehicle, does notoccur until the engine is shut down again. Alternatively, the key 3 canalso be released with the vehicle stationery, when the wheels are nolonger rotating but the engine is still switched on. This is alsoregistered by the control unit. With the key 3 withdrawn and the enginerunning, locomotion of the vehicle is barred by the control unit. Thisavoids incorrect operations due to a removed key 3, and it isfurthermore ensured that the vehicle can be operated only with anapproved key 3. It is also conceivable to block the key 3 for otheroperating situations.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the receiving device 2 in the locked position,showing section B-B. The locking element 9 is mounted so that is canpivot around the articulation axis 11 and is connected to an actuatingplate 12 and actuating lever 13 to form a single unit. During normaloperation, the locking element 9, 12, 13 is moved by the solenoid 10,when activated by the control unit, from the locked position shown inFIG. 3 to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 4.

The solenoid 10 is a bistable solenoid 10.

In its operating position, the grip/key head 14, 24 of the electronickey 3 projects from the receiving device 2.

FIG. 4 shows the emergency function where in an emergency if thesolenoid 10 can no longer be activated by the control unit due to damageor because of power failure, the actuating element 15 has moved thelocking element 9 to the unlocking position. Here, the actuating elementis pushed by the operator through a recess 16 in the key 3, to push theend 17 of the wire against the actuating plate 12 and move the actuatingplate complete with the locking element 9 around the articulation axis11.

The spring element 6 becomes free and the shoulder 7 can move aside whenthe key 3 is removed.

The key 3 can be removed from the receiving device 2.

In alternative forms of embodiment (not illustrated), the key 3 isspring loaded in the inserted position, so that when the key 3 isunlocked it is ejected from the receiving device 2 by the spring force.

FIG. 5 shows a part section of an electronic key 3. The key 3 has a keyhousing 18 with integrated switch buttons 19 with which remote controlfunctions can be triggered by radio transmission, e.g. the remoteunlocking/locking of vehicle locking systems or opening of windows.

Furthermore, the key 3 has an emergency key 20, the coded key blade 21of which is inserted into a recess 16 of the electronic key 3. Theemergency key is used, in the event of total failure of the controlunit, for emergency opening of the vehicle by means of a lockingcylinder fitted on the vehicle, thus ensuring access to the vehicle torectify damage.

In the normal position, the blade 21 of the key is inserted into therecess 16 and locked by means of a catch 22 operated by a button 23 thatinteracts with the key head 24. The surface 25 of the key head 24 isflush with the surface 26 of the head of the electronic key.

The recess 16 is used to be able to remove the electronic key 3 in theevent of failure of the solenoid 10 even when the lock is active. To dothis, the emergency key 20 is removed from the lock 3.

To remove the emergency key 20, the button 23 is pressed and the key 20is withdrawn at the same time. This makes the recess 16 accessible. Awire-shaped actuating element 15, as shown in FIG. 6, is inserted intothe recess 16 in the direction x shown in FIG. 6 and is threaded througha funnel-shaped section 27 into a bore 36 and is thus guided in acentral fashion onto the actuating plate 12. The centering ensures thatthe actuating plate 12 is correctly contacted, particularly when theactuating element 15 has to be passed through intermediate partitions 28in the housing 29 of the device 1. The wire-shaped element 15 can bekept in the glove compartment of the vehicle. However, it is alsopossible to use alternative objects such as correctly bent paper clipsas actuators.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative form of embodiment. In this case, anactuating pin 31 is moveably held in a recess 30 in the electronic key3. The recess 30 lies parallel to recess 16 used to hold the emergencykey 20. The actuating pin 31 is preloaded against the insertiondirection of the key 3 into the receiving device 2 by means of springelements 32. For emergency actuation, the emergency key 20 is removed asdescribed above, in order, using a tool such as a biro or thefingertips, to move the actuating pin 31 in the insertion direction ofthe key 3 into a depression 34 so that the end 33 of the pin projectsfrom the key housing 29, strikes the actuating plate 12 fitted behind itand moves it to the unlocked position. The electronic key 3 can then beremoved from the receiving device 2.

Alternatively, it is possible to protect and cover the recesses 16, 30against the ingress of dirt by means of separate covers, such as cover42 shown in FIG. 7 covering an end of recess 30, particularly when thereis no emergency key 20 present. The operating surface of the electronickey and/or of the instrument panel can thus be embodied withoutintrusive elements such as holes.

Furthermore, as an alternative possibility (not illustrated), thelocking element 9 can be embodied as a sliding element directlyconnected to a solenoid 10. A suitable actuating plate 12, on which theactuating element 15 can act in an emergency in order to slide thelocking element 9 into the unlocked position, is flange-mounted on thesliding element or combined with it to form a single unit.

1. A device for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of anelectronic key, which may also be in the check card format, said devicecomprising: a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting theelectronic key, with the electronic key, when inserted in the receivingdevice, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinaldirection into at least one defined raised position; a sensor of acontrol unit monitoring the electronic key in the raised position tocontrol at least one function of the engine; a locking elementcontrolled by an electric drive securing the electronic key in thespecific raised position against removal from the receiving device; andmeans enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failure ofthe electric drive, wherein the means enabling removal of the electronickey includes an actuation element extending completely through saidelectronic key in the direction of key insertion to disengage saidlocking element from said electronic key and enable removal of saidelectronic key from said device in the event of failure of the electricdrive.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking elementcontrolled by the electric drive has a lever and/or actuating surfaces,and the means enabling removal of the electronic key includes anactuating element which moves in a recess in the electronic key and actson the lever and/or actuating surfaces, so that the locking element canbe moved manually to an unlocking position by means of this actuatingelement.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein a start/stop buttonforms a unit together with the receiving device for the electronic key.4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic key insertedinto the receiving device can be moved longitudinally between twoaxially offset raised positions, with the different raised positions ofthe electronic key being monitored by the sensor of the control unit tocontrol at least one function of the engine or of the vehicle.
 5. Thedevice according to claim 2, wherein the actuating element is awire-shaped part.
 6. The electronic key for use in a device according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic key has a continuous recess in thedirection of insertion for guiding through or receiving the actuatingelement.
 7. The electronic key according to claim 6, wherein the recessleads in a funnel shape into a bore so that the actuating element can beguided centrally through the bore in order to actuate the lockingelement into the unlocking position.
 8. The electronic key according toclaim 6, wherein the recess or an actuating pin is covered when a keyhead of an emergency key is in the normal position and the emergency keyhas to be removed from the electronic key for actuation.
 9. Theelectronic key according to claim 6, wherein the recess for guidingthrough the actuating element in the electronic key is covered on thesurface opposite the insertion side.
 10. A device for starting an engineof a vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in thecheck card format, said device comprising: a receiving device in thevehicle for inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, wheninserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and beingmoveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raisedposition; a sensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key inthe raised position to control at least one functions of the engine; alocking element controlled by an electric drive securing the electronickey in the specific raised position against removal from the receivingdevice; and means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event offailure of the electric drive, wherein the electric drive controllingthe key locking element is selected from the group consisting of asolenoid and an electric motor.
 11. An electronic key for use in adevice for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of an electronickey, which may also be in the check card format, said device comprising:a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the electronic key, withthe electronic key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unableto be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into atleast one defined raised position; a sensor of a control unit monitoringthe electronic key in the raised position to control at least onefunctions of the engine; a locking element controlled by an electricdrive securing the electronic key in the specific raised positionagainst removal from the receiving device; and means enabling removal ofthe electronic key in the event of failure of the electric drive,wherein the electronic key has a continuous recess in the direction ofinsertion for guiding through or receiving an actuating element and,wherein the recess is formed from the receiving slot of an emergencykey.
 12. An electronic key for use in a device for starting an engine ofa vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the checkcard format, said device comprising: a receiving device in the vehiclefor inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, when insertedin the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveablein a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position: asensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key in the raisedposition to control at least one functions of the engine; a lockingelement controlled by an electric drive securing the electronic key inthe specific raised position against removal from the receiving device;and means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failureof the electric drive, wherein the electronic key has a continuousrecess in the direction of insertion for guiding through or receiving anactuating element and, wherein the actuating element is an actuating pinsupported in the recess and spring loaded counter to the direction ofinsertion of the electronic key, wherein in an unactuated position theactuating pin does not project beyond the insertion side of the keyhousing and when actuated from the insertion side of an emergency key,the actuating pin projects from an opposite surface of the key housingand moves the locking element to an unlocking position.